Window replacement permits in City of Federal Way: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a window replacement permit in City of Federal Way, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com..
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Federal Way's source.
When does a window replacement need a permit in City of Federal Way?
2021 IRC R105.2(1)(g) exempts like-for-like window replacement (same rough opening, same R-value class). Permit required for: new openings, enlarged/reduced openings, egress-affecting changes (R310), and any change that crosses a structural element.
How City of Federal Way adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which City of Federal Way adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“13.16.020 2021 International Building Code adopted. The 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC), including the following appendix chapters: (1) Appendix E, published by the International Code Council (ICC), is hereby adopted by reference pursuant to Chapter 19.27 RCW and Chapter 51-50 WAC. The International Building Code requirements for barrier-free accessibility, Chapter 11, and other IBC requirements for barrier-free access, including ICC A117.1-2017 and Appendix E, are adopted pursuant to Chapters 19.27 and 70.92 RCW and shall not be amended by local government.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-24
Required submittals
- if new/enlarged opening: header schedule, structural detail, WSEC NFRC sticker for U-factor
Inspection sequence
- rough-opening inspection (if structural)
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Who can do this work in City of Federal Way?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Federal Way and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the window replacement permit with Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com., carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Federal Way window replacement quote.
Notes & caveats
WSEC R402.4: replacement windows must meet U-factor ≤0.30 (climate zone 4C/5B applicable to most WA). Egress sleeping rooms must retain compliant opening (R310).
Window replacement permit fee — Washington baseline, not City of Federal Way's own schedule
Worked example for a $8,000 window replacement project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $153.25 |
| Plan review | $99.61 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $259.36 |
Like-for-like usually no permit fee. Structural changes scale with valuation. We have not read City of Federal Way's adopted fee schedule, so this is not City of Federal Way's fee: it walks the standard valuation table most Washington cities adopt by reference, as a rough guide. The real numbers are in City of Federal Way's fee schedule ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Federal Way window replacement — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (1).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com. ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Like-for-like usually no permit fee. Structural changes scale with valuation.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull window replacement permits in City of Federal Way every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Apply via MyBuildingPermit.com., handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Window replacement permits in City of Federal Way — FAQ
When does a window replacement need a permit in City of Federal Way?
2021 IRC R105.2(1)(g) exempts like-for-like window replacement (same rough opening, same R-value class). Permit required for: new openings, enlarged/reduced openings, egress-affecting changes (R310), and any change that crosses a structural element.
How much does a window replacement permit cost in City of Federal Way?
For a $8,000 window replacement project, the estimated City of Federal Way permit fee is about $259.36 — building fee $153.25 + plan review $99.61 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.